Ezra 2:40
The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, 74.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ezra 2:40
The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, 74.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to overlook this verse, just a number and a few names, but it highlights how the Levites—those who assisted the priests—returned in a significantly smaller group than their priestly counterparts. This stark numerical difference underscores their specific, often less visible, roles in worship and service, and hints at a challenging journey for those who chose to rebuild their lives and their service to God in a devastated land.
This verse is part of a lengthy census detailing the returned exiles from Babylon. It specifically names two ancestral lines of the Levites, Jeshua and Kadmiel, both belonging to the lineage of Hodaviah, and states there were 74 individuals from these branches. This list follows the count of priests and precedes the enumeration of other Temple servants, all contributing to understanding the specific people who rebuilt Jerusalem and its worship.
When you hear 'Levite,' what comes to mind? For many, it’s just 'temple worker.' But the Levites were a vital tribe with distinct roles.
While the priests (like those in verse 36) carried out sacrifices, the Levites were essential for the worship and upkeep of the Temple. They served as singers, musicians, gatekeepers, and administrators.
This particular group, the Levites descended from Jeshua and Kadmiel, were part of the larger family of Hodaviah, highlighting the intricate family lines that made up the community returning from exile. Their role, though perhaps less prominent than the priests, was foundational to restoring worship.
Seventy-four Levites. Does that number seem small compared to the thousands of priests? It highlights a profound truth about God's work.
The contrast between the 74 Levites mentioned here and the thousands who served in David's time (over 38,000 according to 1 Chronicles 23:3) is striking. This wasn't a mass migration; it was a remnant.
Understand the original words
lay-vee · Hebrew Noun
A member of the tribe of Levi, set apart by God for specialized service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They assisted the priests in the maintenance of the sanctuary, transport of sacred items, and ministry of music and teaching.
This verse lists a specific, relatively small number of Levites returning from Babylonian exile. Their presence, though modest compared to pre-exile numbers, was crucial for the functioning of the Temple and the re-establishment of Israel's worship in Jerusalem.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population, including many Levites and priests. This event marked a profound crisis for Israel's religious and national identity.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great overthrew the Babylonian Empire. This marked a turning point, as Cyrus issued a decree allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
Cyrus permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This decree was the catalyst for the return journey documented in Ezra.
537 BC— this verse
First Wave of Returnees
The first group of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem. This event involved the re-establishment of worship and the beginning of the Second Temple's construction, as detailed in Ezra 1-6.
This passage highlights the massive number of Levites (over 38,000) during David's time, creating a striking contrast with the significantly smaller number (74) of Levites who returned with Ezra, underscoring a decline in their numbers or willingness to return.
Ezra 3:9This verse mentions Jeshua and Kadmiel as leading the Levites in overseeing the rebuilding of the temple, directly linking these family heads to the foundational work of restoring worship after the exile.
Nehemiah 7:43This passage lists the same Levites (Jeshua and Kadmiel) who returned from exile, confirming their lineage and the continuity of these families in post-exilic Jewish life and worship.
1 Corinthians 9:13Paul speaks of those who serve the temple receiving their food from the temple, a principle that applies to the Levites' role in worship, even with their reduced numbers and responsibilities.
henryEzra 2:36-63: "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three."
2:36-63 Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
ellicottEzra 2:40: "The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four."
(40) The Levites: the children of Jeshua. —Then follow the Levitical families, not priests: that is, the Levites proper, the singers, the door-keepers or porters. Of the first there were only two families, and these are both traced up to one, that of Hodaviah or Judah ( Ezra 3:9 ) or Hodevah ( Nehemiah 7:43 ). The hereditary choristers are also few: of the families of Asaph, Heman, and J…
It's easy to overlook this verse, just a number and a few names, but it highlights how the Levites—those who assisted the priests—returned in a significantly smaller group than their priestly counterparts. This stark numerical difference underscores their specific, often less visible, roles in worship and service, and hints at a challenging journey for those who chose to rebuild their lives and their service to God in a devastated land.
This verse is part of a lengthy census detailing the returned exiles from Babylon. It specifically names two ancestral lines of the Levites, Jeshua and Kadmiel, both belonging to the lineage of Hodaviah, and states there were 74 individuals from these branches. This list follows the count of priests and precedes the enumeration of other Temple servants, all contributing to understanding the specific people who rebuilt Jerusalem and its worship.
This verse is part of a lengthy census detailing the returned exiles from Babylon. It specifically names two ancestral lines of the Levites, Jeshua and Kadmiel, both belonging to the lineage of Hodaviah, and states there were 74 individuals from these branches. This list follows the count of priests and precedes the enumeration of other Temple servants, all contributing to understanding the specific people who rebuilt Jerusalem and its worship.
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c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe and priest, led a second major group of exiles back to Jerusalem. His ministry focused on enforcing the Law and religious reforms among the returned community.
445-433 BC
Nehemiah's Work in Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returned to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city walls. He worked alongside Ezra to address social and spiritual issues within the community.
"The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, 74." — It's easy to overlook this verse, just a number and a few names, but it highlights how the Levites—those who assisted the priests—returned in a significantly smaller group than their priestly counter…